Friday, November 3, 2017

Southern California District Church of the Nazarene with Rodney Kilgore in Temecula, California, United States Newsletter: November for Friday, 3 November 2017

 Southern California District Church of the Nazarene with Rodney Kilgore in Temecula, California, United States Newsletter: November for Friday, 3 November 2017
THEREFORE, HAVING THIS MINISTRY BY THE MERCY OF GOD, WE DO NOT LOSE HEART. (2 CORINTHIANS 4:1)
NOVEMBER DISTRICT NEWSLETTER
The Gospel According to Lady Gaga
Cue young adult Bible study. Follow this discussion: Early church - care for widows - charity - modern charity organizations - famous generous pop singer - Lady Gaga. She gives a lot to charities--even has a couple of her own. Do I approve of her?
I sat for a second, trying simultaneously to reverse-engineer the question and formulate an appropriate response. "Now, do I try to get back on task or scuttle the lesson and see where this rabbit trail takes us?" I asked myself quickly. I failed to recall the explicit theological construct linking Lady Gaga with the early church’s “feed-a-widow” program. And we had a lot more of Acts 6 to cover. Maybe we should continue on...
Our Friday night young adult Bible study was comprised of a rag-tag collection of grown-up neighborhood kids, most having come up loosely through the church. However, life had beat up on them. Several had come from abusive circumstances, none had a dependable father figure in his life, and only one was in college. They seemed more of a “kids-at-risk” campaign poster than the stereotypical millennial generation.
However, it was here that young adult ministry became increasingly clear. The office in which we met, which was a no-frills, repurposed auto shop, mirrored our approach. Simplicity was a high priority, as most of the attendees were largely Biblically illiterate. Our progress was usually slow and meandering, but in this time I was continually reminded of the importance of the basics of ministry: respect, consistency, and humility. When programming and packaging are stripped away, it’s easy to see what really matters.
Throughout my time working with young adults and teens, I have seen all shapes and sizes of ministries, from simple Bible studies to well-produced, thousand-person worship services. What stands out about the most effective ones, regardless of size and format, is their dedication to ministry fundamentals: consistently providing a space where the truth of God is presented, each person’s voice is respected, and intentional, loving, engaging conversation is promoted. Everything else is, at best, a nicety and, at worst, a distraction.
This November, as the holiday season ramps up and schedules begin to burst at the seams, all of us would do well to spend some time contemplating our role in the Body of Christ. Have I made time for the people around me? Have I chosen to encourage, listen to, and lift up the "least of these"? Am I regularly engaging in intentional, caring conversation with those God has entrusted me with - be it family, friends, acquaintances, ministry partners, or maybe just those God has put in my path? Am I actively seeking out those whom I may bless with my resources?
Even if all you have, like we did, is a couch and an hour of your time, give them to God and see how He manages to multiply your efforts.
Your District Administration
---
WOMEN'S RETREAT REGISTRATION
The wait is over! Registration is open for the district women's retreat (March 16 to 18, 2018) at the Town & Country Resort in San Diego. Early registration is due by November 30th. Afterwards, the price goes up by $20. Our guest speaker this year will be Tara Beth Leach, lead pastor at Pasadena First Church of the Nazarene and our theme is "Anchored," using Hebrews 6:19-20 as our key passage.
Please mark your calendars accordingly and make plans to join us in this district-wide celebration. For more info and to register, click HERE.
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CHILDREN'S CAMP BLACK FRIDAY SALE
Camp site rates have increased but SoCal Naz Kids Camp will be running a BLACK FRIDAY SALE Thanksgiving to Dec. 31 at 2017 prices. Go to socalnazkidscamp.com to download registration forms. Submit forms (or complete online registration) and send check to the following address, postmarked by Dec. 31, 2017, and your child’s space will be reserved at the current rate* of $275.00(the 2018 price will be $300 as of Jan. 1):
Camp Director Karisa May
3580 Guava Way
Oceanside California 92058, United States
---
RENEWAL CONFERENCE
December 9th, Murrieta Gateway Church of the Nazarene will be hosting a day-long (8:30 AM - 2 PM) conference concerning church planting, evangelism, and church renewal. The conference is open to all, whether clergy or laity, and will feature Mark Bane, Director of Church Planting, Evangelism, and Church Renewal for the Nazarene Church; Bill Wiesman, USA World Zone Leader for Dynamic Church Planting International; and Kevin McDonald, senior pastor at Gateway Nazarene. There is no cost for the conference and lunch will be provided. Registration will be open soon; make sure you save the date on your calendars.
For more information please contact Kevin McDonald at kmcdonald@gatewwaynaz.org
---
CPL CHRISTMAS DINNER FOR PASTORAL STAFF
The PLNU Center for Pastoral Leadership extends a warm welcome to all pastors and pastoral staff (spouses included). Please join us for our annual Christmas dinner this December 4th(Monday, Dec. 4 @ 6PM). It will be held at the San Diego First Church of the Nazarene Ellipse Chapel (3901 Lomaland Dr., San Diego, CA 92106)
The cost is $7 a person if paid beforehand, $10 a person at the door. Click HERE to register (https://tinyurl.com/PLNUCPLChristmas) - please register yourself and pastoral team by Monday, Nov. 20th, 2017.
---
PLNU LOVEWORKS
PLNU LoveWorks Short-Term Missions is beginning its 30th year of sending student Work & Witness teams all around the world. Teams are led by co-leader pairs. If you live in San Diego County, you could commit to attending weekly training at PLNU from February to May and 3 weeks away in May or July, and you have a heart to disciple young people on a challenging mission as a team co-leader, then LoveWorks is looking for you! Please go to www.pointloma.edu/missions for more information or e-mail Brian Becker at BrianBecker@pointloma.edu
(Brian Becker, PLNU Director of International Ministries, is scheduling another shipment of Crisis Care Kits to Sacramento in November. He asks if you would like to have them transport your CCKs -- please contact him at PLNU [BrianBecker@pointloma.edu]. They will stockpile them on campus until delivery day. CCKs continue to be greatly needed.)
---
SOCAL DISTRICT COMPASS INITIATIVE
Pastors, are you a part of the COMPASS financial program? The COMPASS Initiative is a Nazarene initiative to address our U.S. ministers’ most pressing financial difficulties. The COMPASS Initiative utilizes a financial literacy, management, and well-being program to equip ministers in personal and church financial matters. Additionally, COMPASS has programs for the local church and a retreat to learn how to better manage financial matters dealing with the local church. For more information, visit COMPASS Initiative and stay tuned for SoCal district specific information.
---
YOUTH WORKER TRAINING EVENT
We are hosting a youth worker training event at PLNU on March 16 (Cost is $15 per person). Brad Griffin will be training on the new "Growing Young" research that Fuller Institute has been conducting. Some of our own Nazarene ministers are a part of this initiative, including Marcos Canales and Keegan Lenker. Click on the link for more information: fulleryouthinstitute.org
Stay tuned for registration information.
---
FRESH START: MARK THE DATE
Feb. 24, 2018 at The Bridge Church, international speakers Gary and Cherisse Zelesky will be joining us as keynote speakers for our annual Fresh Start conference. The couple has a powerful story of restoration and Gary speaks regularly on the area of passion. Make plans now to join us this upcoming February. Registration is coming soon.
---
SOCAL ROUNDUP
SoCal RoundUp is coming May 18-20, 2018. This family-centered event is an opportunity for groups to camp together in tents or structures, take part in numerous activities (swimming, crafts, obstacle course, derby racing, etc.). Times of praise and worship round out our time together offering an opportunity to get to know both each other and our Lord better. The cost is very affordable and the fun starts Friday night and ends Sunday morning after our morning worship time together. Contact Janet Crow at janetloma@cox.net for more information or to arrange a tour of the campground. If you want to look at the campground information online, you can do so at http://www.indianhillscamp.com.
---
WORK AND WITNESS UPDATE & INVITATION
We have just a few open spots available for this January's Work and Witness trip to Bolivia, during which we will be looking to complete a security wall and other construction projects in a recently purchased property adjacent to the university. In addition to the balance left over from the "Maverick #34 team" last July, $14,570 has been forwarded to move the project forward. (This will buy a lot of steel rebar, bags of cement, sand, and gravel to complete the project). Once the security wall is completed we can finish the back fill to facilitate natural drainage and then begin work on the multi-purpose pavilion to house the congregation and the student center.
At the moment we have five "gringos" with tickets plus funding for another 5 Bolivian PROXIES to stand in for those unable to make the trip at this time. (Last July we ended up with 15 Bolivian Proxies who really impacted the team's work and ministry.) Last week "Holiness Today" confirmed that they will run a Maverick announcement in the Nov-Dec issue and a Maverick-Proxy article in the Jan-Feb issue, so spots may go quickly.
If you or anyone you know of would like to participate, please share this news with them and contact Larry Webb [larryjudywebb@gmail.com].
---
LOCAL CHURCH TREASURERS
You can find the link to the district online payment site for paying district allocations HERE. Please familiarize yourself with this webpage and the process for making regular payments. Thank you
---
SOCAL CHILDREN'S QUIZZING
SoCal Children’s Quizzing kicked off its 2017-18 season with thirteen teams. On behalf of SoCal quzzing, we extend a hearty welcome to Hemet, Horizon Prep, and Grace and Peace, all new this year. We are also pleased to welcome back Mission, Las Flores, Parkway Hills, Escondido, Gateway, El Cajon, and, San Bernardino! Thank you to our gracious opening day hosts at Escondido First and congratulations to Mission Church on their win!
It’s not too late to join this adventure and study. Contact Quiz Master Mary Mitchell at mmitchell@horizonprep.org or Children’s Director Karisa May at socalnazkids@gmail.com for more information. Below is the schedule for the children's quizzing through next year's regional quiz in May. Please update your calendars accordingly.
  • Invitational Quiz #2: December 2, 2016 Host: Gateway
  • Invitational Quiz #3: January 20, 2018 Host: El Cajon
  • Invitational Quiz #4: March 10th, 2018 Host: Parkway
  • District Quiz: April 14, 2018 Host: Mission
  • Regional Quiz at PLNU: May 12, 2018 (for those who qualify) 
---
A PLAIN ACCOUNT: WESLEYAN RESOURCES
Check out the "Wesleyan-perspectived" commentary based on the Revised Common Lectionary. If you are a pastor or a lay-person interested in following lectionary readings throughout the year, we recommend visiting aplainaccount.com for more information. Nazarene ministers and scholars from all over the globe are participating in this project. We would love to have you be a part of this work, supporting it in any way you can.
CHURCH REPORTING
  • "Knock - knock"
  • "Who's there?"
  • "Church Reporting"
  • "Church Reporting who?"
  • "You. for being late?"
" ....I don't think I get it"
"That's what Nazarene Headquarters said about your monthly church report"
  • <Looking un-amused>
"Well, then click HERE to make your monthly church reports and the bad jokes will stop"
---
Upcoming Events
  • CPL Pastors and Spouse Christmas Dinner: December 4
  • Renewal Conference: December 9
  • Fresh Start: February 24, 2018
  • Youth Worker's Training Event: March 16, 2018
  • Women's Retreat: March 16-18, 2018
  • SoCal RoundUp: May 18-20, 2018
  • Men's Retreat: September 14-16, 2018
For a more detailed record of these and other upcoming district events please visit the district calendar, or www.socalnaz.org/events/calendar
For a printable version of this newsletter (abbreviated) for use as a bulletin insert or wall posting, please click HERE. (https://docs.google.com/document/d/105XRH7mXTV2kXxuS5bYC0wJix-zw8-IRdd64Z-zhclk/edit?usp=sharing)
The Gospel According to Lady Gaga
Cue young adult Bible study. Follow this discussion: Early church > care for widows > charity > modern charity organizations > famous generous pop singer> Lady Gaga. She gives a lot to charities--even has a couple of her own. Do I approve of her?
I sat for a second, trying simultaneously to reverse-engineer the question and formulate an appropriate response. "Now, do I try to get back on task or scuttle the lesson and see where this rabbit trail takes us?" I asked myself quickly. I failed to recall the explicit theological construct linking Lady Gaga with the early church’s “feed-a-widow” program. And we had a lot more of Acts 6 to cover. Maybe we should continue...
Our Friday night young adult Bible study was comprised of a rag-tag collection of grown-up neighborhood kids, most having come up loosely through the church. However, life had beat up on them. Several had come from abusive circumstances, none had a dependable father figure in his life, and only one was in college. They seemed more of a “kids-at-risk” campaign poster than the stereotypical millennial generation.
However, it was here that young adult ministry became increasingly clear. The office in which we met, which was a no-frills, repurposed auto shop, mirrored our approach. Simplicity was a high priority, as most of the attendees were largely Biblically illiterate. Our progress was usually slow and meandering, but in this time I was continually reminded of the importance of the basics of ministry: respect, consistency, and humility. When programming and packaging are stripped away, it’s easy to see what really matters.
Throughout my time working with young adults and teens, I have seen all shapes and sizes of ministries, from simple Bible studies to well-produced, thousand-person worship services. What stands out about the most effective ones, regardless of size and format, is their dedication to ministry fundamentals: consistently providing a space where the truth of God is presented, each person’s voice is respected, and intentional, loving, engaging conversation is promoted. Everything else is, at best, a nicety and, at worst, a distraction.
This November, as the holiday season ramps up and schedules begin to burst at the seams, all of us would do well to spend some time contemplating our role in the Body of Christ. Have I made time for the people around me? Have I chosen to encourage, listen to, and lift up the "least of these"? Am I regularly engaging in intentional, caring conversation with those God has entrusted me with - be it family, friends, acquaintances, ministry partners, or maybe just those God has put in my path? Am I actively seeking out those whom I may bless with my resources?
Even if all you have, like we did, is a couch and an hour of your time, give them to God and see how He manages to multiply your efforts.
Your District Administration
Women's Retreat Registration
The wait is over! Registration is open for the district women's retreat (March 16 to 18, 2018) at the Town & Country Resort in San Deigo. Early registration is due by November 30th. Afterwards, the price goes up by $20. Our guest speaker this year will be Tara Beth Leach, lead pastor at Pasadena First Church of the Nazarene and our theme is "Anchored," using Hebrews 6:19-20 as our key passage. Check the district website for registration
Children's Camp Black Friday Sale
Camp site rates have increased but SoCal Naz Kids Camp will be running a BLACK FRIDAY SALE Thanksgiving to Dec. 31 at 2017 prices.  Go to socalnazkidscamp.com to download registration forms. Submit forms (or complete online registration) and send check to the following address, postmarked by Dec. 31, 2017, and your child’s space will be reserved at the current rate* of $275.00 (the 2018 price will be $300 as of Jan. 1):
Camp Director Karisa May
3580 Guava Way                                                           
Oceanside CA 92058
Renewal Conference
December 9th, Murrieta Gateway Church of the Nazarene will be hosting a day-long (8:30AM - 2PM) conference concerning church planting, evangelism, and church renewal. The conference is open to all, whether clergy or laity, and will feature Mark Bane, Director of Church Planting, Evangelism, and Church Renewal for the Nazarene Church; Bill Wiesman, USA World Zone Leader for Dynamic Church Planting International; and Kevin McDonald, senior pastor at Gateway Nazarene. There is no cost for the conference and lunch will be provided. Registration will be open soon; make sure you save the date on your calendars.
For more information please contact Kevin McDonald at kmcdonald@gatewwaynaz.org
CPL Christmas Dinner for Pastoral Staff
The PLNU Center for Pastoral Leadership extends a warm welcome to all pastors and pastoral staff (spouses included). Please join us for our annual Christmas dinner this December 4th (Monday, Dec. 4 @ 6PM). It will be held at the San Diego First Church of the Nazarene Ellipse Chapel (3901 Lomaland Dr., San Diego, CA 92106)
The cost is $7 a person if paid beforehand, $10 a person at the door. Registration Here: (https://tinyurl.com/PLNUCPLChristmas) - please register yourself and pastoral team by Monday, Nov. 20th, 2017.

PLNU LoveWorks

PLNU LoveWorks Short-Term Missions is beginning its 30th year of sending student Work & Witness teams all around the world. Teams are led by co-leader pairs. If you live in San Diego County, you could commit to attending weekly training at PLNU from February to May and 3 weeks away in May or July, and you have a heart to disciple young people on a challenging mission as a team co-leader, then LoveWorks is looking for you! Please go to www.pointloma.edu/missions for more information or e-mail Brian Becker at BrianBecker@pointloma.edu
(Brian Becker, PLNU Director of International Ministries, is scheduling another shipment of Crisis Care Kits to Sacramento in November. He asks if you would like to have them transport your CCKs -- please contact him at PLNU [BrianBecker@pointloma.edu].  They will stockpile them on campus until delivery day. CCKs continue to be greatly needed.)

SoCal District Compass InitiativE

Pastors, are you a part of the COMPASS financial program? The COMPASS Initiative is a Nazarene initiative to address our U.S. ministers’ most pressing financial difficulties. The COMPASS Initiative utilizes a financial literacy, management, and well-being program to equip ministers in personal and church financial matters. Additionally, COMPASS has programs for the local church and a retreat to learn how to better manage financial matters dealing with the local church. For more information, visit COMPASS Initiative and stay tuned for SoCal district specific information.  

Youth Worker Training Event

We are hosting a youth worker training event at PLNU on March 16 (Cost is $15 per person). Brad Griffin will be training on the new "Growing Young" research that Fuller Institute has been conducting. Some of our own Nazarene ministers are a part of this initiative, including Marcos Canales and Keegan Lenker. Click on the link for more information: fulleryouthinstitute.org
Stay tuned for registration information.
Fresh Start: Mark the Date
Feb. 24, 2018 at The Bridge Church, international speakers Gary and Cherisse Zelesky will be joining us as keynote speakers for our annual Fresh Start conference. The couple has a powerful story of restoration and Gary speaks regularly on the area of passion. Make plans now to join us this upcoming February. Registration is coming soon.
SoCal Roundup
SoCal RoundUp is coming May 18-20, 2018.  This family-centered event is an opportunity for groups to camp together in tents or structures, take part in numerous activities (swimming, crafts, obstacle course, derby racing, etc.).  Times of praise and worship round out our time together offering an opportunity to get know both each other and our Lord better. The cost is very affordable and the fun starts Friday night and ends Sunday morning after our morning worship time together.  Contact Janet Crow at janetloma@cox.net for more information or to arrange a tour of the campground.   If you want to look at the campground information  online, you can do so at http://www.indianhillscamp.com.
Work and Witness Update & Invitation
We have just a few open spots available for this January's Work and Witness trip to Bolivia, during which we will be looking to complete a security wall and other construction projects in a recently purchased property adjacent to the university. In addition to the balance left over from the "Maverick #34 team" last July, $14,570 has been forwarded to move the project forward. (This will buy a lot of steel rebar, bags of cement, sand, and gravel to complete the project). Once the security wall is completed we can finish the back-fill to facilitate natural drainage and then begin work on the multi-purpose pavilion to house the congregation and the student center.
At the moment we have five "gringos" with tickets plus funding for another 5 Bolivian PROXIES to stand in for those unable to make the trip at this time. (Last July we ended up with 15 Bolivian Proxies who really impacted the team's work and ministry.)  Last week "Holiness Today" confirmed that they will run a Maverick announcement in the Nov-Dec issue and a Maverick-Proxy article in the Jan-Feb issue, so spots may go quickly.
If you or anyone you know of would like to participate, please share this news with them and contact Larry Webb [larryjudywebb@gmail.com].
SoCal Children's Quizzing
SoCal Children’s Quizzing kicked off its 2017-18 season with thirteen teams.  On behalf of SoCal quzzing, we extend a hearty welcome to Hemet, Horizon Prep, and Grace and Peace, all new this year.  We are also pleased to welcome back Mission, Las Flores, Parkway Hills, Escondido, Gateway, El Cajon, and, San Bernardino!  Thank you to our gracious opening day hosts at Escondido First and congratulations to Mission Church on their win!  
It’s not too late to join this adventure and study. Contact Quiz Master Mary Mitchell at mmitchell@horizonprep.org or Children’s Director Karisa May at socalnazkids@gmail.com for more information. Below is the schedule for the children's quizzing through next year's regional quiz in May. Please update your calendars accordingly.
  • Invitational Quiz #2: December 2, 2016  Host: Gateway
  • Invitational Quiz #3: January 20, 2018  Host: El Cajon
  • Invitational Quiz #4:  March 10th, 2018  Host: Parkway
  • District Quiz: April 14, 2018  Host: Mission
  • Regional Quiz at PLNU: May 12, 2018 (for those who qualify)
A Plain Account: Wesleyan Resources
Check out the "Wesleyan-perspectived" commentary based on the Revised Common Lectionary. If you are a pastor or a lay-person interested in following lectionary readings throughout the year, we recommend visiting aplainaccount.com for more information. Nazarene ministers and scholars from all over the globe are participating in this project. We would love to have you be a part of this work, supporting it in any way you can.
Upcoming Events
  • CPL Pastors and Spouse Christmas Dinner: December 4
  • Renewal Conference: December 9
  • Fresh Start: February 24, 2018
  • Youth Worker's Training Event: March 16, 2018
  • Women's Retreat: March 16-18, 2018
  • SoCal RoundUp: May 18-20, 2018
  • Men's Retreat: September 14-16, 2018
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